Paul Reichmann: Millions of Lights

One of the greatest philanthropists of the century passes away.

Mr. Paul Reichmann passed away this past Friday at the age of 83 in Toronto. Mr. Reichmann was a Canadian businessman who built Olympia and York Developments into a multi-billion dollar empire and donated millions of dollars each year to build Jewish schools, synagogues and yeshivas throughout the world. Some of the major financial complexes that Mr. Reichmann built were Canary Wharf in London, the World Financial Center and First Canadian Place, the tallest skyscraper in Toronto. With his signature full beard, business suit and yarmulke, Reichmann had a sterling reputation for integrity, a humility that led him and his brothers to shun all publicity, and an unwavering commitment to Orthodox Judaism.

Paul Reichmann was born in Vienna in 1930 to Samuel and Rene Reichmann. The family escaped the Nazi occupation of Austria because they fortuitously left the country on the day of the Anschluss to visit Paul's grandfather in Hungary who had suffered a stroke. The Reichmanns made their way from Hungary to Paris and later fled to the neutral city of Tangier. After the war, Paul went to learn in yeshiva in Gateshead, England and Ponovezh and Mir in Israel. In 1953, Paul became the Educational Director of Otzar HaTorah in Morocco. There he transformed the school's religious curriculum, improved its teaching staff and traveled across Morocco, building dozens of schools for thousands of children, including the first girl's seminary in Tangier. In 1955, Paul married Leah Feldman, to whom he had been engaged from the age of 15. Together, they left Otzar HaTorah and settled in Toronto with the rest of the Reichmann family.

There Paul and his brothers formed Olympia and York Developments which became the largest developer in the world, making the Reichmanns into one of the ten richest families. Still the brothers were often spotted flying in coach class and making sure that every single one of their building sites were closed before Shabbos began.

A few years after the Canary Wharf project brought the firm into bankruptcy in 1992, Mr. Reichmann humbly remarked, "The fact that I had never been wrong created character flaws that caused me to make mistakes." The Reichmanns went on to partially rebuild their fortune as they continued to give millions of dollars to Jewish schools and organizations. They paid overtime for Sunday labor in order to keep their business closed on the Sabbath and closed for Christian holidays as well out of respect for their non- Jewish workers.

At the zenith of his career, Mr. Reichmann spoke often of the years that he spent studying Talmud and building religious schools in Morocco. "I think that what I did in those years was a greater achievement than what I have done since," Paul Reichmann said in the 1996 biography of his family, The Reichmanns, by Anthony Bianco.

The building achievements of Paul Reichmann are not only the towering skyscrapers and financial complexes that he constructed. Every student that benefited from the hundreds of schools that Mr. Reichmann gave to is another world that he built. Each person that prayed in the hundreds of synagogues that were supported by his continuous giving is another world that Mr. Reichmann built. And each child and grandchild of every one of these people who remain Jewish today is another world that Mr. Reichmann built. If you gaze at a skyscraper at night, there are millions of lights emanating from each window. Multiply that a thousand times, and we can perhaps begin to comprehend the kind of light that Mr. Reichmann brought into this world.

When Paul Reichmann, whose Hebrew name was Moshe Yosef, was in yeshiva many years ago, he took on the job of picking up all the bread that a generous bakery was donating to the students, despite the difficulty of the journey each day. Another boy, also named Moshe, took on the job of waking up his fellow students so that they could begin learning on time.

One day, the head of the yeshiva, Rabbi Schneider, said: "Moshe Reichmann, who goes for the bread unfailingly for our sake, will someday be so wealthy that the entire world will know of his wealth, and Moshe Shternbuch, who gets up so early to make sure others will learn, will be such a scholar that the entire world will know of his wisdom."

Both these predictions came true. Paul (Moshe) Reichmann became a famous real estate developer. Rav Moshe Shternbuch became one of the greatest scholars known today. But it is said that Paul Reichmann would later remark, "I wish I had been the one to wake up the boys in the morning!"

Mr. Reichmann was so deeply committed to the Torah and the Jewish people that he valued it far more than all the money he had made. In the end, he did wake up so many thousands of people who would never have had the opportunity to learn, to pray and to build Jewish families without his generous help.

As one of the greatest philanthropists of the century passes from this world, we can see the millions of lights emanating from millions of worlds. Thank you, Mr. Reichmann, for all that you have built.

Featured at Aish.com:

About the Author

Sara Debbie Gutfreund received her BA in English from the University of Pennsylvania and her MA in Family Therapy from the University of North Texas. She has taught parenting classes and self-development seminars and provided adolescent counseling. She writes extensively for many online publications and in published anthologies of Jewish women's writing. She and her husband spent 14 wonderful years raising their five children in Israel, and now live in Blue Ridge Estates in Waterbury, Connecticut, where Sara Debbie enjoys skiing and running in her free time.

Visitor Comments: 28

I remember my mother in law saying that Paul Reichmann's mother was always generous whenever my mother collected for a tzedaka. His mother never flaunted her wealth either.

Also, his mother saved a number of Jews during WWII.

(25)
Nouly-Hannah,
November 5, 2013 7:23 PM

Enjoyeable

Would love to learn, I am 86 year lady..... Just came home of 11days in Hospital, toda!

(24)
Ariella,
November 4, 2013 4:18 AM

May his neshama have an aliyah

(23)
Alex,
November 1, 2013 3:25 PM

Yehi Zichro Baruch!

(22)
irit,
October 29, 2013 3:17 PM

Such a nice presentation and inspirational person! Such a great example of life.We will remember you!

(21)
MICHAEL WILKS,
October 29, 2013 1:39 PM

G-d directs the world. There is no "fortuitously"!

Thank you for the excellent article. Do you really believe the word "fortuitously" in the phrase "because they fortuitously left the country on the day of the Anschluss to visit Paul's grandfather in Hungary who had suffered a stroke."? I do not.

(20)
Michael Vermont,
October 29, 2013 12:31 AM

A real MENSCH.

Integrity , humilty & an unwavering commitment to
orthodox Judaism. I also thank the author, for this accurate beautuful article, but far too concise to
include anything but the tip of the iceberg, of the
incredible mountain of Mitzvot, & demonstrations of sterling character, that bespoke this rare mensch. As per Helen Schwab above, such ruchnius & gashmius. Toda Rabba Sara. He was too humble a man to write an autobiography that would include the very best of himself, but his was a life lived, that needs all salients to be recorded , as it is so character building. The truth about him is stranger than fiction,& that's why it's so edifying. He walked before HaShem ,& not before men. He didn't do any of it for acclaim, & he did a lot.

(19)
Anonymous,
October 28, 2013 10:30 PM

To light a thousand lights & more

Thank you for such an inspirational article about such an inspirational human-being!You write: "In the end, he did wake up so many thousands of people...." I have goose-bumps all over. May I suggest, humbly, that perhaps you are reffering to the "End of Days" and beyond, when those who 'sleep in the dust will WAKE UP" - [together with] the thousands upon thousands of 'lichtige neshomos' that he so humbly helped to 'light-up'. Yehi zichro boruch...

(18)
Miri,
October 28, 2013 7:13 PM

What a beautiful article and testimony to the priorities of Am Israel

(17)
Sheldon Reich,
October 28, 2013 5:11 PM

A Family We Can All Learn From

As a brand-new Chosson in 1980, I stepped into Yeshiva Tiferes Moshe in Kew Gardens, Queens, for my first Shabbos morning davening as a married man. The Shul was packed with every single seat taken. I stood nervously at the door not knowing what to do when one gentleman stood up and offered me his seat. I did not know it at the time, but that mensch was Paul's brother, Hashy. Imagine one of the world's richest men giving up his seat in Shul for a stranger! If all the bankers who toil inside the O&Y financial centers have a fraction of the Middot of these builders, the world would be a better place. May the family be comforted and may their Chessed continue to light the way for all of Klal Yisroel.

Ryna menlo,
October 28, 2013 11:00 PM

Hashy Reichman

Yes, that man who offered his seat was indeed a humble and one of the finest men I have ever known! He was my "Uncle Hashy", and he is sorely missed!

(16)
Anonymous,
October 28, 2013 5:01 PM

Thank You

I just want to say that it was due to the merit of this man I became religious, was able to leave Russian and embrace Yiddishkeit. And there are many of us who owe so much to him.baruch dayan haemes.

(15)
Helen Schwab (Chaiah),
October 28, 2013 4:04 AM

Thank you, Sara Debbie Gutfreund , for this inspiring article!

It's so important for us to hear the stories of the people who are great in both ruchnius & gashmius (spirituality & the material world). Thank you for researching & writing this!

(14)
gary,
October 27, 2013 9:12 PM

A real Mensch

I have the privilege of working with Paul Reichmann when he was a partner with George Soros. HE was a man of high integrity and a true mensch. He was also a visionary. The world is a much better place because of him and he will be missed. After the passing of a mutual friend, he told me not worry - it is the cycle of life. I hope his family can help fill these big shoes..

(13)
martin elsant,
October 27, 2013 7:43 PM

Reichman was right on Canary Wharf--sabotaged by England

The English Government promised to provide trains, subways and bus lines to facilitate transportation to Canary Wharf. After Reichmann invested billions in building it, the English govt waffled on that commitment, making the buildings unaccessible and therefore unoccupied and worthless, until Reichmann went broke. Then later when England supplied the transportation resources they had originally promised, Canary Wharf became very profitable. If England had not given Reichmann false promises, he would not have lost a penny on Canary Wharf.

Anonymous,
November 6, 2013 4:13 PM

MARTIN ELSANT - IT'S CALLED 'HASHGACHA PRATIT'

Everything that happens to us is Hashgacha Pratis - Personal Divine Intervention... and it is all meant to be... and it is all 'Gam Zu l'Tovah'=This, too, is for the good/best. Everything that HaShem does if for our Good, though we may not see the BIG PICTURE, thus NOT see the GOOD until months or years later... then we can say WOW! HKB"H is GREAT, b"H, that He did what He did for me, otherwise... "i would never had ended up in E"Y".. "otherwise, I would never have met my spouse"... "otherwise, I would never have found Judaism". There are many "otherwise" stories. Trust me, I am one of those who has seen the BIG PICTURE in MANY ways in my life & all i can say, daily, I LOVE HASHEM, HASHEM IS GREAT, THANK YOU FOR ALL THE SUFFERING YOU ARE GIVING ME! ALL WITH A SMILE ON MY FACE! YES, connect with your suffering... and watch it start to dissipate... I heard this happen to a guy diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor - Lazer Brody gave a lecture about thanking HaShem for what we are suffering. he started to thank hashem, daily, for his brain tumor... couldn't connect with it with his full heart at the beginning, but eventually got "into it"... 6-mths-later, contacts Lazer Brody, tells him the doctors said the tumor is gone & they have no explanation as to how or why. he didn't receive treatment... he was told he had only weeks to live & to get his affairs in order! HASHEM IS GREAT & HE IS THE MASTER MANIPULATOR! DON'T EVER FORGET IT! SHABBAT SHALOM & CHODESH TOV U'MEVORACH!

(12)
Marci Rapp,
October 27, 2013 6:43 PM

A great employer

In the early 80s I came from working for the Government of Alberta where, when I became Shomer Shabbat and required to leave work early on Fridays, I was told by my boss that if I couldnt live in a Christian society that I should go back to wear I came from. I was fired from that position and moved back to Ontario where I landed a position with Abitibi-Price Pulp & Paper. I was easily able to take off early for Shabbat and Chagim due to the respectful Human Resources policies set up in that Company due to the influence of the visibly Jewish/Observant Reichmans who were on the Board of Directors. I managed the Company's payroll and had the honour to issue cheques paid to the Reichmans. The point for me, in those days, was that I was allowed to wear my Yidishkeit with price and had no fear of reprisals. BTW I filed a grievance with the Government of Alberta via the Union & Human Rights Commision for religious freedom violations and won with back pay two years later!

(11)
Heskel Elias,
October 27, 2013 6:26 PM

A kind and great man.

I met him years ago in NY while he was having his lunch from a Browne paper bag that his wife prepared for him. That was his character . Nothing fancy all real. Some other very wealthy people should learn about kindness that comes from the heart. He made me feel equal . God bless him .

(10)
Lisa,
October 27, 2013 5:51 PM

Great example of how we should conduct our lives!

A real Torah true Jew. Thank you for sharing a story of a man who could mix both worlds!! Something to strive for.

(9)
Avram,
October 27, 2013 5:36 PM

A nice Man

Even though this is a 2nd hand story, it is true. Several years ago, a cousin of mine received her dental degree and partnered in an office at First Canadian Place in Toronto, Paul Reichmann's building. On this particular day, a gentleman came in for what was described as a routine dental exam and my cousin was doing it for this first time client, so being the genial person she is, she asked ( amongst other questions ) what he did for a living and Mr. Reichmann stated that he was in real estate and was a developer. My cousin responded with " that's nice ". She then asked him if there was any development that she might know, and he said off handedly " this building " to which she responded " that's nice ". Only later on that evening did it occur to her WHO this developer was and had a good laugh about it. Lesson to be taught: Never just a book by it's cover. May he rest in peace.

(8)
Bernie Mandell,
October 27, 2013 5:16 PM

a wonderful person who I had the privilege of knowing.

(7)
Jonathan,
October 27, 2013 4:11 PM

My father knew him and was also a philanthropist

My father, a holocaust survivor, also Canadian, knew Mr. Reichmann may he rest in peace. My father was Irving Cymberknopf, he was a Tzadik and a man of Tzedaka. May his soul be blessed and raised. He is buried in Har Hamenuchot in Israel.

(6)
Moshe,
October 27, 2013 4:10 PM

Correction

It was his wife, Lea, who was 15 years old when they met. However, they waited until she turned 16 before they got engaged.

(5)
Guillermo,
October 27, 2013 3:54 PM

Thanks for sharing

Thanks for sharing, I will certainly read his biography.

(4)
RMS,
October 27, 2013 3:45 PM

An Appreciated Blessing

Dear Mr. Reichmann, May U RIP In Peace as Ur Family, Friends and The World Jewry Be Comforted Having Sweet Precious Memories To Hold On To, & Continue To Learn, Live & Share As U a Kindly Enlighted All of Us

(3)
Dan Robbins,
October 27, 2013 3:43 PM

Paul Reichmann

I had the fortunate pleasure of briefly meeting him on two occasions. I was in Manhattan doing a real estate deal with his company and while in the reception room he walked in as he arrived and personally came over and introduced himself to me before exiting for his office. His warm handshake and soft smile still standout today as a great highlight of my career. The other time was on a winter' a day in Toronto in Shabbos and walking past me on his way to shul with his family, he briefly stopped, shook my hand and wished me "A Good Shabbos"

I live in rural Montana where the Cholov Yisrael milk is difficult to obtain and very expensive. So I drink regular milk. What is your view on this?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Jewish law requires that there be rabbinic supervision during the milking process to ensure that the milk comes from a kosher animal. In the United States, many people rely on the Department of Agriculture's regulations and controls as sufficiently stringent to fulfill the rabbinic requirement for supervision.

Most of the major Kashrut organizations in the United States rely on this as well. You will therefore find many kosher products in America certified with a 'D' next to the kosher symbol. Such products – unless otherwise specified on the label – are not Cholov Yisrael and are assumed kosher based on the DOA's guarantee.

There are many, however, do not rely on this, and will eat only dairy products that are designated as Cholov Yisrael (literally, "Jewish milk"). This is particularly true in large Jewish communities, where Cholov Yisrael is widely available.

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein wrote that under limited conditions, such as an institution which consumes a lot of milk and Cholov Yisrael is generally unavailable or especially expensive, American milk is acceptable, as the government supervision is adequate to prevent non-kosher ingredients from being added.

It should be added that the above only applies to milk itself, which is marketed as pure cow's milk. All other dairy products, such as cheeses and butter, may contain non-kosher ingredients and always require kosher certification. In addition, Rabbi Feinstein's ruling applies only in the United States, where government regulations are considered reliable. In other parts of the world, including Europe, Cholov Yisrael is a requirement.

There are additional esoteric reasons for being stringent regarding Cholov Yisrael, and because of this it is generally advisable to consume only Cholov Yisroel dairy foods.

In 1889, 800 Jews arrived in Buenos Aires, marking the birth of the modern Jewish community in Argentina. These immigrants were fleeing poverty and pogroms in Russia, and moved to Argentina because of its open door policy of immigration. By 1920, more than 150,000 Jews were living in Argentina. Juan Peron's rise to power in 1946 was an ominous sign, as he was a Nazi sympathizer with fascist leanings. Peron halted Jewish immigration to Argentina, introduced mandatory Catholic religious instruction in public schools, and allowed Argentina to become a haven for fleeing Nazis. (In 1960, Israeli agents abducted Adolf Eichmann from a Buenos Aires suburb.) Today, Argentina has the largest Jewish community in Latin America with 250,000, though terror attacks have prompted many young people to emigrate. In 1992, the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 32 people. In 1994, the Jewish community headquarters in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 85 people. The perpetrators have never been apprehended.

Be aware of what situations and behaviors give you pleasure. When you feel excessively sad and cannot change your attitude, make a conscious effort to take some action that might alleviate your sadness.

If you anticipate feeling sad, prepare a list of things that might make you feel better. It could be talking to a specific enthusiastic individual, running, taking a walk in a quiet area, looking at pictures of family, listening to music, or reading inspiring words.

While our attitude is a major factor in sadness, lack of positive external situations and events play an important role in how we feel.

[If a criminal has been executed by hanging] his body may not remain suspended overnight ... because it is an insult to God (Deuteronomy 21:23).

Rashi explains that since man was created in the image of God, anything that disparages man is disparaging God as well.

Chilul Hashem, bringing disgrace to the Divine Name, is one of the greatest sins in the Torah. The opposite of chilul Hashem is kiddush Hashem, sanctifying the Divine Name. While this topic has several dimensions to it, there is a living kiddush Hashem which occurs when a Jew behaves in a manner that merits the respect and admiration of other people, who thereby respect the Torah of Israel.

What is chilul Hashem? One Talmudic author stated, "It is when I buy meat from the butcher and delay paying him" (Yoma 86a). To cause someone to say that a Torah scholar is anything less than scrupulous in meeting his obligations is to cause people to lose respect for the Torah.

Suppose someone offers us a business deal of questionable legality. Is the personal gain worth the possible dishonor that we bring not only upon ourselves, but on our nation? If our personal reputation is ours to handle in whatever way we please, shouldn't we handle the reputation of our nation and the God we represent with maximum care?

Jews have given so much, even their lives, for kiddush Hashem. Can we not forego a few dollars to avoid chilul Hashem?

Today I shall...

be scrupulous in all my transactions and relationships to avoid the possibility of bringing dishonor to my God and people.

With stories and insights,
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